CBCNews.ca readers share their cable TV cord-cutting stories

While a report released today finds that more Canadians are paying for both traditional and online TV services -- "cord stacking," they call it -- many "cord cutters" let us know they're happy to have quit their cable provider.

Rather than cutting cable, many Cdns are paying for both traditional and online TV services: http://t.co/wBMyzt6lZQ Are you a cord-cutter?CBC Top Stories

@CBCNews Just cancelled my cable last week!Jeni Ator

.@CBCNews I cut the cord on Jan 2. The only thing I really miss is CBC news before work and when I get home. #OkMaybeIMissJudgeJudyTooNeil Halper

@CBCNews cable cutting pure economics. I get to watch WHAT I want WHEN I want. Are those who do both in transition? Just a matter of time?Ed Reddy

Many on Twitter, Facebook and in the comments of our story said they use online services to watch shows on TV.

Netflix only! Cut my cable a year ago and haven't missed it at all.Barry Ritchot

@CBCNews cut the cord 4 yrs ago saving $4000 since then. What I pay for in one year online sub (ie.@Netflix_CA ) is one month cable costs.Ed Reddy

"Our family of five has not had cable TV for over three years now. Netflix combined with all the free and legally available content is plenty enough to keep our family entertained. And we are in full control of the content the kids watch, and there are no ads," said SeppoON.

We have Apple TV only. No cable, no satellite, no commercials, no junk.Natalie Ann Comeau

@CBCNews I cut cable last year. Too expensive, and the Basic package barely has any worthwhile channels. I watch tv online exclusively.Candace Shaw

@CBCNews funny because we're getting rid of cable just for netflix...cutting costs of about $100 a monthMatt

Many readers mentioned over-the-air digital TV in their reaction to the story, saying they combine programming they get over antenna with that they receive over the internet.

Got rid of satellite almost three years ago, now have OTA plus netflix, internet and a large many terabyte hard drive filled with recorded content. All streamed using our apple tvs. No one, including our grand children, have ever missed having satellite.Susan Groves

"We cut the cord six months ago. We use Netflix and watch free over the air TV in beautiful HD. I didn't even buy an antenna, but made my own in about 30 minutes. Never regretted the decision for a second," said ChristophB.

@CBCNews the only line coming in my house is internet. No cable, no phone. All @Netflix_CA and streaming. A digital antenna handles the restDevin Wiles

Digital antenna reception is very good. I get 17 channels in Hamilton; plus, I have Apple TV.Doug MacBean

"I'll stick to my digital HD antenna. Cable is too expensive and too much garbage on TV!" said CornerMan.

@CBCNews Yah I don't think I'm buying this propaganda, currently looking for pvr for ota so we can say goodbye to bell sat.Brian Wright

Some readers have tried cutting the cord, or are considering it, but one thing or another is holding them back.

"I have been struggling with the decision of cutting cable, getting Netflix, etc. One day, I ran through over 1000 channels, MOD & HBO and could not find anything worth watching," said deRainville.

Currently I have both, but as cable continues not to meet my expectations, I turn increasingly to the web.Sean McIntyre

@CBCNews Have also reduced my package from satellite to the basics. If Tv doesn't improve, out the door.Mertie Farrell

Some said sports and other programming exclusive to premium TV is keeping them from making the leap.

"I would cut my cord but there are small elements that make it difficult to cut the cord. My wife likes a few specialty stations so I am stuck," said ArtSmith111.

"I tried cutting the cord, but there is still sports and really Food / HGTV that I will watch. The biggest thing I would love to cut my costs is a 'choose' your own package instead of having 100+ channels of garbage, and 3-5 channels I actually care about," said Rudy Herfurth.

Others had the opposite problem.

"I'd be happy to pay less for my Bell TV if I didn't have to get all those sports channels that I never watch," said Spiked Lemon.

And a few CBC.ca readers objected to our headlines claiming, "Canadians happy to pay for extra TV."

"Happy? More like forced. I only enjoy about four cable channels. If it wasn't for those, I'd happily cut it. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone," said PeteBenes.

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